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Convention Rankings

I’ve written about my love of the convention scene many times before (and have a mini-guide for newbies – HERE). I thought that it might be fun to try and rank the cons that I’ve attended, especially as I’ve just had the most amazingly chilled and fun weekend.

I’m hoping to blog about this in greater detail so shall just cover the highlights.

This was a small con, roughly 150 attendees. Almost every person there was both a con and Starfury regular so every event from autographs to photos to mini meet and greets ran so smoothly, so cheerfully that it was just a pleasure to be part of it.

Of course there are those I’m especially close to – including my friend-the-authorOwen Elgie – and it was lovely to be able to catch up face to face.

The guests were just wonderful. All but one – Jena Malone – were Starfury regulars so knew exactly what to expect. Robin Thorsen, Sandeep Parikh (Culturally Fixated friends) and Aaron Douglas partied every night till the last attendee dropped As does Paul Blackthorne – who was equally engaging, if somewhat less present on the dancefloor! Jena Malone was the most down to earth unaffected person, with 20 years worth of biz stories to share, as well as a wealth of knowledge and experiences that was just fascinating. This was her first convention and she seemed to take it like a fish to water – hopefully we’ll see her again soon!

My first ever convention. I was introduced to the con scene by a wonderful friend who made sure that I met all the ‘con regulars’ (and the somewhat less flattering term alert – said in LOVE) and ‘con ho’s’.

Instantly, I felt as though I had found my people, my home away from home.

The attendees were fantastic – so welcoming and friendly. The guests couldn’t have hung out with us more and seemed just as geeky about the show as we were. I met Reed Diamond – my first podcast ‘superstar guest star’ and now a true friend.

The beginning of an amazing few years for me started the moment I first tweeted @Cidergirli.

Check out this ARTICLE written by a mate of mine – @RoelVeldhuyzen for details about the night Joss Whedon crashed a Starfury Convention.

My friends were predictably fantastic. The guests were amazing. Both Magda Apanowicz and Lean Cairns have subsequently podcast with me and are just incredible women. Aaron Douglas is not capable of letting a party die. He just WON’T allow it. Jonathan Woodward and communion are just the most amazing combination and every con is better for it. Jewel Staite and Sean Maher are as close friends as a fangirl like me could have hoped of and knew each other so well they were constantly interrupting and finishing one another’s anecdotes. Also…they brought a friend who dances like a fiend.

I’m in a photo with Joss Whedon. I got to see him dance. AND THEN I SPOKE WITH HIM FOR A MOMENT.

As a Christmas treat, Cult Fix (me!) was joined by the charming, multi-talented and funny Sandeep Parikh!

Unfortunately the first three minutes of the recording went completely bonkers – it sounded as though we were under water for some strange reason. Then, without any rhyme or reason, it all played beautifully. Weird!!

Sandeep and I had a great chat about all sorts of everything. It’s so delightful when you just get into a conversation flow, you know?

Particular highlights for me included discussing the art of being funny – or learning how to take comedy seriously; his favourite film (and the resultant fan boy moment).

Obviously we also chatted about his work on network TV (The Crazy Ones and Community) as well as his online performances (The Guild, Legends of Neil).

We also discussed how improv has influenced his work; the balancing act of writing, directing and acting and the importance of working with and creating a community of similarly minded creative folks.

There’s also a little glimpse into what 2015 has in store both for Sandeep and Effing Funny.